Wearside League: Horden CW may be about to play final game at their historic home

Tomorrow could be the last time Horden CW play at Welfare Park.
Horden CW's historic Welfare Park homeHorden CW's historic Welfare Park home
Horden CW's historic Welfare Park home

The local parish council obtained an Order for Possession of the ground on January 29, following a five-day trial in Newcastle.

In a statement, the council said: “The order was granted against Mr Norman Stephens and Mr John Stubbs as representatives of Horden CW AFC.

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“The club had a licence for the football ground which expired in February 2013. The council was not prepared to renew the licence agreement because the club was in arrears of ground fees and utility bills.

“The club refused to leave and defended the council’s legal claim of possession despite the council’s best efforts to resolve the situation out of court, by offering a new licence

“His Honour Judge Kaye has confirmed that the licence has been terminated.”

Horden CW’s treasurer Ryan Cuthbert confirmed that tomorrow’s Wearside League game against Jarrow will go ahead. He said: “We are hoping something can be worked out with the parish council.

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“We have a meeting with them on March 1, so we are still hopeful.”

The club was formed 108 years ago and has continually played in the village. An on-line petition against the parish council’s decision attracted 1,300 signatures from all over the North East in the first 24 hours.

Manager Martin Mulcaster paid tribute to his players, saying: “Full credit to the lads. They’ve stuck by the club and me and we will have a big squad available tomorrow when we’ll be going all out for a win.”

Jarrow miss four players - Darren Morton, Brodie Simpson, Kyle Oxley and Mark Williams - with Andy Wilkinson and Andy Barclay doubtful. Nick Pain, Grant Pressling and Kris Allen are all available again.